The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos, on Tuesday handed over 250 bags of smuggled foreign rice to the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Badagry.

The Commanding Officer, FOB, Navy Captain Leye Omotayo, said the seized items were intercepted during a series of targeted, intelligence-led operations conducted by personnel of the base in recent weeks.

Mr Omotayo, represented by Lt Cdr. Hassan Modu, said that this was in furtherance of the Nigerian navy’s mandate to support civil authorities in combating smuggling and other cross-border economic crimes.

He said, “Since assuming office, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has consistently emphasised a vision of building a modern, agile, and professional naval force dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests.

“It is also advancing national security in collaboration with other security agencies.”

Mr Omotayo said that in alignment with the vision of the CNS, sustained operational efforts of the NN FOB Badagry remained focused on securing Nigeria’s maritime and border areas.

The commanding officer said it also included curbing economic sabotage and strengthening inter-agency cooperation to ensure a safe and secure nation.

(NAN)